Bluetooth Firm Preps Software-Based GPS

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In its financial report for the quarter ending June 29, 2007, CSR (formerly Cambridge Silicon Radio) forecast continued growth in the Bluetooth market, particularly in new non-cellular areas such as PMPs, gaming consoles, cars, and cameras. Interestingly, the company said it is readying a Bluetooth chip with built-in software-based GPS.

CSR said it expects the proportion of new cars that include Bluetooth — such as the Windows Automotive-enabled Fiat 500 — to increase from the five to eight percent seen today to 30 percent in the medium term. Aftermarket car-kits such as TomTom products incorporate CSR’s Bluetooth technology, the company noted.

The company also said it will sample what is claimed to be the industry’s first ULP Bluetooth silicon by the end of this year. Previously known as Wibree, ULP Bluetooth can be used to transfer simple data sets between compact devices, and reportedly runs for up to ten years on a single “button cell” battery. It can be incorporated into products such as watches, training shoes, and TV remotes.

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